Page 29 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

“Jayden flies in on Wednesday, so I’ll speak to him.”

I was introduced to Jayden, a former sniper, when I was in Los Angeles a few weeks back. He’s off field work for now due to PTSD.

“If the shit hits the fan, how will Jayden cope?” I ask, trusting Ryder knows I’m not being disrespectful, simply ensuring a safe situation for everyone.

“He won’t be going into the field. I meant, he might be able to get a few of the LA boys to fly in with him.”

“Roger that,” I say, running a hand through my hair and watching Stella walk back into the living area in a pair of blue jeans, white shirt, and navy cashmere sweater. She holds a coat in her arms.

We end the call, and I lock the door behind me as I head back into the penthouse. Stella smiles at me, and I can’t help but think she’s going to be walking straight into a lion’s den.

Signing her NDA just got a little more appealing.

However, it could be the worst decision I’ve ever made.

CHAPTER EIGHT

STELLA

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Writing is the last thing on my mind right now, but it’s my job. Just because I have a trust fund doesn’t mean I want to live my life doing nothing purposeful with it.

I’ve always loved telling stories.

I started, as a little girl, using my dolls to play out ideas, then progressed to writing on my computer. Now, here I am now, a published author.

I wanted to be taken seriously as a writer, which is why I chose woman’s fiction. I’d be happier writing romance or creating a fantasy world.

For now, I need to finish this manuscript.

My story is about a woman who has found herself a widow in her mid-thirties and is busy learning who she is now. She once dreamed of being an artist, a painter, and is immersing herself in the New York scene.

Of which I know very little about. So, after staring at the wall for hours, I’ve decided to walk the streets of the Chelsea Arts District for inspiration. People watching can give you all sorts of ideas.

My driver meets Declan and I downstairs and drives us to Twenty-Fifth Street near the Hudson River.

“Stop here. This is fine.” I shuffle in my seat, eager to move away from Declan, whose large body is taking up far too much space.

Are you going to kiss me?

No.

You look like you want to.

I can’t believe I said that. It was either ask him or tiptoe up and help myself to his sexy mouth. I’m not that bold, but my body was buzzing with desire as he placed a hand above me and glowered down at me.

Of all the things to happen when I’m being forced to marry a creep, my bodyguard is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen in my life. What terrible timing.

Like that’s the biggest issue here.

There is an insane amount of chemistry between Declan and me. I’m almost certain he was lying. He did want to kiss me...and a whole lot of other things.

I almost wish he would.

It would take my mind off all of this. Tony Marino, the book, my life crumbling around me. Imagine a night in Declan Sloan’s bed. Without a doubt, I’d never forget it.

Even one kiss.